US helps Syrian rebels to get advanced weapons

Syrian rebels begin to get more weapons, and much advanced, thanks to an effort funded by the Gulf countries and coordinated in part by the U.S., reported the Washington Post on Wednesday.

Syrian rebels begin to get more weapons, and much advanced, thanks to an effort funded by the Gulf countries and coordinated in part by the U.S., reported the Washington Post on Wednesday. The report is based on information gathered from Syrian activists, sources in the United States and other countries.

Publicly, the Obama administration has been maintaining that the United States does not provide or fund the supply of this lethal equipment, including anti-tank weapons. "We are increasing support for non-violent Syrian opposition, and we continue to coordinate our efforts with our friends and allies in the region and beyond, to have the greatest impact on our collective action," said a senior State Department official, interviewed by the newspaper.

The Washington Post noted that the contacts of the United States with the rebels and sharing intelligence with the Gulf monarchies constitutes a turning point in the U.S. policy towards Syria, while the hope of a solution to the crisis is diminishing daily.

Meanwhile, nine civilians were killed Tuesday in Syria, including four in an explosion in the coastal city of Banias, said the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights (SOHR).

In addition, a man and a 6-year old girl were killed by government forces in the region of Damascus, the source said. And in the town of Deir Ezzor, three people were killed by gunfire by government forces, said the SOHR.